Dave Taylor’s Civil War Antiques - Angelfire: Welcome … Dave Taylor’s Civil War Antiques #002)...

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Dave Taylor ’s Civ i l War Ant iques

#002) - Superb Spectacular Tagged Framed (Encased) Maine Cavalry-man’s Bugle From Early Gar Hall Display: This is the kind of item that does not turn up EVER in this day and age. This regulation bugle was sealed in this shadow box frame by the Civil War veteran 120 years ago, or more, and it has not been opened since!. The bugle is a regulation copper bugle with brass reinforced bell garland. It is in excellent condi-tion with just a couple dings. It may or may not be maker marked. The bugle is sealed inside the shadow box so it is not possible to scrutinize the bell area on all sides. Mounted to the bugle is a magnificent 1800’s GAR Post tag which details the history of the bugle. It reads “Presented To H. F. Chadwick Bugler 2d Me. Cavalry By His Captain John M. Lincoln At Barrancas Fla. Dec. 6th 1865 – OLD VET ” I don’t know how you could hope to find a cooler piece anywhere. This is encased in a magnificent late Victorian shadow box frame lined with red velvet. $4950.00

#001) - Superb Brown Water Navy Gun Boat With Sailors And Guns: I bought this years ago and put it back as one of the most appealing albumen photos I had owned. This shows a Union River Gunboat moored on the Pamunkey River in eastern Virginia. Note the dozens of uniformed sailors on the deck and the two large guns. A note reads “Gun boat al-tered from Ferry Boat on Pamunkey River” Mount measures 14 x 11. Image proper measures 8 x 5. A very rare image I paid eight hundred dollars for years ago. $950.00

#003) - Magnificent Us Army Painted Eagle Drum By Thos. Bringhurst Germantown Penna: One of the most attractive eagle drums that I have owned. Full height 16” and superb paint with the classic Philadelphia style Federal Eagle. These so called Philadelphia eagles are without question the most handsome and ferocious eagles found on American Drums. There is a minor scrape or two on the paint but nothing of consequence. Excellent paint. It has original rims, heads, flesh hoops, ropes etc. The rope is frayed and broken in a couple spots. Inside the shell is the wonderful original paper maker’s label with an eagle, standing soldier, and full firm information relating to maker Thomas Bringhurst in Germantown, Penna., Philadelphia County. Bringhurst had a contract with the US Army to supply these drums in the early 1840’s, making this perfect to display with Mexican War and Civil War military displays. One of the more attractive eagle drums I have owned. These are getting very difficult to buy at auction any more. A huge part of me hopes this does not sell as I really enjoy looking at it. (But then again my wife says I have too many painted drums... She thinks the nine in my personal collection are enough. Go figure!) $8,750.00

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#006) - Civil War Artillery Short Sword Belt & Frog: Excellent condition early war pattern CW brown buff leather belt with rectangular eagle buckle w/

applied silver wreath and buff leather frog for securing the artillery short sword to the belt. These were primarily issued to heavy artillery but apparently sometimes to light artillery as well. The leather is excel-lent with good life and no damage. It is constructed entirely of stitching with no rivets used. This indicates 1861 - 1863 production. The buckle is ultra attractive with good detail and a very attractive patina. Both sliding loops are present on the belt. The buckle and keeper are matched. This is not a surplus rig but was actually issued to a New England soldier --- likely from Massachusetts judging from the other items I got in the lot when I purchased this at auction. A fine + example of a scarce Civil War belt. $1,250.00

#005) - Magnificent Huge Signed Telescope - 25 inch long telescope signed (engraved) around the eye piece Word & Works St. Louis. The eye piece extends and retracts by turning a brass knob on the body of the scope. The internal optics are intact but this is lack-ing the closest most section of the eye piece which refines the focus. This missing piece screwed onto threads around the area where the tiny eye piece lens still exists. We can not make this focus. The telescope is attached to a brass and wooden shaft which was intended to fit into a larger attaching device attached to a tripod. You can still see marks on the wood where the tightening screw from the tripod pressed into the wood. There is one brass fastener that is missing which secures the shaft, and from what I can tell the rest of the telescope is intact. It is large enough to have been used in survey-ing. This appears to date to the period 1840 to 1860. I am unable to determine whether Word & Works is the actual manufacturing company or a play on the religious admonition. What I have found is that there was a “Word & Works” publishing company in St. Louis but I am unable to determine if it had any connection with the use, manufacture, or sale of telescopes. I personally don’t think so. This is a great display piece for use in a Western Frontier Exploration display. It is an impressive and piece of antique scientifica. $475.00

#004) - Enlisted Saber Belt: A very nice black harness leather Civil War saber belt. This is the so-called artillery saber belt manufactured without provision for the shoulder support strap as seen on the cavalry belts. This has a beautiful eagle buckle with silver wreath. It has both saber hangers, all four brass rivets on the hangers, and 3 of the 4 sliding loops on the hangers. This rates an 8 on a 1-10 scale. The leather retains most of its finish and shows only light handling age. Here is a clear cut bargain….. $795.00

#007) - Rare Mounted Rifleman’s Officer’s Embroidered Hat Insignia: In this day and age finding any embroidered CW officer’s insignia is darn difficult. Finding one of these mounted rifleman pieces

is unheard of. This is near mint, black (now brown) velvet, with upright bullion embroidered bugle w/ tassels embroidered on the velvet. Stamped brass numeral “1” inside the loop of the horn. Twisted edge wire around the entire circumference. This is complete with the metal stiffener inside and brown polished cotton back. One loop is missing on the back the other is intact. This has the original 1860’s brown ink price sticker on the back which appears to read $.77c or possibly B 77 s ??? I challenge you to find another original example on the market this year. Measures 3 x 2+ inches in size. A true rarity. $1,600.00

#008) - Rare Artillery Officer’s Embroidered Hat Insignia: Another extreme rarity. Near mint condition black velvet oval with high dome gilt embroidered crossed cannons and twisted wire around the perimeter. Measures 3.3 x 2.3 inches… very large. This has the metal stiffener inside, brown polished cotton back, and both attaching loops intact. A darn fine piece of CW insignia. Top Notch… $875.00

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#009) - Full Length Union Cavalry Carbine Sling: This is the real deal... not one of the Bannerman “cut-downs” which were reassembled in the 1950’s and lat-er. This is the full length sling just as issued to the cavalryman complete with brass buckle, brass tip, and steel swivel. Condition is VG to Fine with very solid leather... no breaks or weak spots. Just below the buck-le is affixed a brass button with the number 12 on it. Stamped into the leather itself is “12 A” I assume these are rack or regimental unit markings. Really a top notch example just showing light and expected han-

dling wear. A very scarce piece of equipment to find in the full length 56” configuration. $1,500.00

#010) - Regulation Union Army Infantryman’s Tarred Haversack With The Interior Rice (Food) Bag: These items have been rare since the beginning of Civil War collecting. This is the tarred black canvas bag with tarred black canvas shoulder strap that Billy Yank used to carry his coffee, tobacco, bacon, rice, hard tack, etc… Overall excellent condition, very solid with no major tears or rips. Shoulder strap is full length and

unbroken. The rarest aspect of this haversack is the presence of the cotton food bag or rice bag buttoned inside the haversack. These cotton bags are seldom found present with the haversack. The only defect is that the leather closing strap and roller buckle that secures the outer flap dried up and fell off. I have these pieces inside the food bag. One of the better examples still surviving, and a key piece in a display of Union infantryman’s equipment. $2,250.00

#012) - Massive Imperial Albumen Photo Of Navy Officers: This picture is a monster with the mount measuring 24” x 20” in size. (image proper 17 x 13) See il-lus. This shows ten pretty rough looking officers in all their splendor. These guys have “the look”… beards, distant stares, shaggy hair … they exude character, experience, determination. A wonderful piece of Civil War photography. I don’t know on which ship they served. Perhaps you recognize them. A magnificent image on all fronts… $550.00

#011) - Magnificent OVM Ohio Volunteer Militia Buckle: The prettiest OVM I have owned... best patina, best condition, best color... When I found this offered by another collector priced higher than I had ever sold one for --- I jumped on it without hesitation simply because the patina and appeal were the best I have ever seen. One of the rarer Civil War buckles is this early war OVM with single arrow hook and single prong on the reverse. Even living here in Ohio I have only found a handful of these over the past four decades of looking. These are far rarer than Confederate CSA rectangular buckles and CS 2-pc buckles which sell for $4000 and up in non-dug condition. This buckle is the best... by far the finest I have ever had the pleasure to own. Dead-real and very displayable, still clinging to the original and very worn waist belt. Priced only a smidgen higher than the price I paid. $2,800.00

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#013) - Martial Colt Single Action Army Revolver / Ainsworth Inspected:

The classic pre Custer massacre cavalry side arm. This “single action” bears all matched serial numbers of 10,112, has the early slanted barrel leg-

end, proper ejector rod, all the proper sub inspector markings, and is mechani-cally perfect. This is the real-deal --- a true early issue US Army military 45 caliber Colt single action. The grips are VG to fine with good edges and no damage. Cartouche is partially visible on the left grip. The metal is smooth

grey-plum in color with no pitting. I believe this serial number indicates issuance to the 8th US Cavalry if my memory serves me. A tight, solid, example that is all

original and mechanically super. Kopec told the previous owner the value should be over $16k, it made it hard for me to buy it but I got the job done. $12,500.00

#014) - Single Action Army Cartridge Box: Here is a darn scarce piece of equipment... it is the Civil War percussion cap

box which was arsenal modified for issue with the Colt .45 caliber Single Ac-tion Army Revolver in 1872. The arsenal took Civil War cap boxes and made the

following modifications... 1) Embossed the front flaps with a large US inside an oval border. 2) Cut the center portion out of the inner flap and sew the left and right edges of this flap to the inner body of the box. and 3) Remove the sheep’s wool lining. This box was then used on the troopers belt to hold the fixed metallic cartridges for his new Colt

45. This box is excellent approaching mint condition and is made of fine brown harness leather. It is the first I’ve found in over five years. $675.00

#016) - Confederate Holly Springs, Mississippi Con-verted Hall Rifle: This is the real deal… dead-on C o n -federate… Model 1819 Hall Flintlock rifle altered to percussion for Confederate usage by the Armory at Holly Springs Mississippi. This is exactly the same alteration shown in the gold standard reference book Confeder-

ate Rifles and Muskets by Murphy and Madaus pages 328 through 331. The main identifying feature on the Holly Springs guns is the percussion hammer which is made utilizing the bottom half of the flint lock hammer (sawed off above the hole) and having a distinctive faceted percussion striking hammer and spur brazed in place, on which there is no knurling on the hammer spur. The other distinctive feature is a batch or mating number present on the left side of the breech block (visible when the block is raised for loading). This rifle has the number “11” stamped there. Overall very good con-dition. 100% original, mechanically perfect, and totally complete except for the rear sight which is missing. The metal is an honest age brown patina; stock is like a well used piece of antique furniture showing age and handling but no abuse. The breech block retains the original US arsenal marks “J H Hall H. Ferry US 1831” . The only tiny repair is a small piece of wood replaced, this being a semi circular piece 1 x 1.5 inches in size immediately behind the frame at the extreme forward part of the top of the wrist where it meets the frame.. This is a tight, solid, and extremely appealing example of a dead-on Confederate rifle. If you would like a long arm to display with Confederate effects and you don’t want to spend twelve or twenty thousand dollars, here is the piece for you… $ 2,800.00

#015) - Confederate Army of Tennessee Pattern CS Belt Plate: A superb exam-

ple of this desirable Johnny Reb buckle. This was found in a Confederate Camp near

Shelbyville, Tennessee in 1979. The plate has a deep, uncleaned green and brown ground produced

age patina. All three hooks are present on the back with the tips of two hooks showing minor damage.

T h e spin marks are plainly visible at the base of the hooks and this is the scarce variant where the hooks protrude from gently el-evated platforms at the base of each hook. This is very solid, very attractive, and very scarce. It would take us a month of Sunday’s to find one with a metal detector these days. $3,250.00

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#017) - Confederate Tin Canteen & Strap Inscribed to Robert D Gentry 13th Virginia Volunteers. This is a classic rebel tin drum canteen measuring six inches in diameter. The back side is flat, the front side slightly convex. It retains its original ringed stopper and its linen shoulder strap. The condition is excellent. Crudely incised

into the flat side of the canteen is “R D GENTRY” this executed in large letters which are wide and shaded with cut lines. Very appealing.

Searching the Confederate records we find 42 men named R. Gentry but only one with the middle initial of “D”. That man is Robert D

Gentry of the 13th Virginia Volunteer Infantry. He served from 1861 through 1865 and even spent some time as a prisoner of war. The 13th served with Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia and saw combat casual-

ties throughout the war including heavy losses at Gaines Mill, Cedar Mountain, Bull Run, Chantilly, Fredericksburg, etc. The regiment was present at Gettysburg as well. They again took severe casualties at Spotsylvania, Bethesda Church, Winchester, and Cedar Creek.

They remained in the field until the last shot was fired and then some. Even after the surrender they are shown as taking casualties up until June 1865 at Gordonsville, Virginia…. Over two months after Lee surrendered to Grant. Gentry’s personal record shows he was paroled in May of 1865, a month after the surrender. Included is a wealth of research and archives records on our soldier. A most historical old canteen. $2,950.00

#018) - Mint Unissued Cavalry Shell Jacket: An excellent example of the regulation CW cavalry troopers short jacket piped in yellow with 12 buttons

down the front, 2 on each side of the collar, and 2 on each cuff. Bright midnight blue wool body is PER-FECT with great color and no moth damage. This is complete with the full body lining, and the white muslin sleeve linings. These are becoming increasingly harder to buy with each passing year. I wish I would have bought the 50 jackets at $55 each when I had the chance back in the 1970’s. Back then I couldn’t imagine they would ever be scarce or expensive! Some of us used to wear them at reenactments. Great example... $3,200.00

#019) - Mexican War Militia Staff Officers’ Sword by Ames: This sword was made between 1840-1860 and has the straight, double-edged blade that was used in the general officers’ swords of 1832. The blade has an elliptical cross sec-tion and measures 31.5” long. There is a deep fuller that runs from the hilt up 13 inches. There were many variations on this general pattern, with most differences being seen in the grip detail, pommel design, and guard shape. This has a cross shaped guard, with a prominent star on both sides, and a standard helmet pommel. The scabbard is gilded brass and in cross section is nearly diamond shaped. All the brass on the sword was originally gilded, and about 40% of the finish remains. The bone handle has been expertly restored by a competent sword smith. The scabbard, has 50% gilt finish, and has nice intricate markings at the hanger mounts, and drag Though this piece is not signed it appears to be the product of NP Ames... $1150.00

#020) - Rare M-1840 Saurbier Heavy Cavalry Officer’s Saber: Type 1 officer’s saber - Sauerbier (from Newark, New Jersey) had many variations of officer’s sa-bers, and they were all engraved beautifully on the guard, knucklebow, and pommel. Ours here is a cavalry officer’s example with a 35 inch curved blade, and a flat spine. The grip is harness leather covered, of which some is worn in spots to the bare wood. It has a triple twisted wire wrap, one twisted wire flanked by two single strands. The blade has attractive foliate etching with a “US” on one side, and a panoply of arms on the other. The scabbard is excellent and a perfect fit and match but it is actually an Ames heavy cavalry scabbard. All Saurbier products are considered scarce, these cavalry officer’s examples are among the scarcest. Priced well below the tourist town dealers.... $1,850.00

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#021) - Ames Contract 1833 Dra-goon Saber - Classic sword of the mounted dragoons serving on the western frontier

during the era of The Alamo, The Mexican War, and Indian Campaigns. This sword is overall VG condition. The markings on the blade are just about worn completely away. The blade has not been polished or abraded, but the needle etched markings are nearly totally gone. The birds head pommel, backstrap, guard and quillon are all a lovely rich aged brass patina, the grip has virtually all of the original brown leather and all of the original piano style wire wrap. The leather has several scuffs in the surface finish that can be cured with some KIWI boot polish. The wire on these is usually gone so this is quite a PLUS to find a ‘33 dragoon with the early piano style wire intact. The top of the guard as the inspector’s mark of “H K C” and “ORD”. Very tight and very solid. Just the sword, no scabbard. $735.00

#022) - Identified 6th US Cavalry Variant S&K Import Heavy Cavalry Saber Unique Scabbard - Owned by William Corns 6th US Cavalry. Originally of the Ohio Infantry Hibernian Guards. I bought this from a life long friend a few years back along with a lot of other CW material when my friend decided to down size. I have been enjoying it hanging on my wall for several years, now I will move it on. This was purchased by my friend from the granddaughter of William Corns on November 20th 1978 and a nice hand written note from Corns granddaughter is included. It reads “To Certify This sabre authentic relic of Civil War of 1865 presented to Ron Chojnacki by granddaughter of William J Corns resident of Cleve O Union Army Cavalry div’ McLelland (sic) in command. Known used in Battle of Antietam. Nov 20 ‘78 Helen M Finnerty”. Soldier Corns served until he was discharged in April of ‘64. The sword itself is an import heavy cavalry saber with scabbard. Blade is in top notch condition, scabbard has large lugs that secure the throat. This saber is unmarked on the blade. Tied to the guard, and was this way when Ron got it, are Corns GAR hat cords. Leather grip is excellent. Scabbard has the one inconsequential ding that is visible in the picture, and is marked S&K on the drag, this being Schnitzler & Kirschbaum of Solingen. This scabbard is unique in my experience with S&K swords, and the blade is somewhat heavier than most. The ring mounts are tapered wide near the ring and narrow near the bottom edge of the scabbard, the rivets near the throat are huge and have screw slots, and the drag is like the S&K 1821 British sword they produced. This is the only example of this S&K variant I have encountered. We also have some records from the National Archives relating to Corns service in the war. A nice historic saber with a legitimate attribution to a cavalry trooper. $950.00

#023) - Rare Pattern Staff or Infantry Militia Officer’s Sword Ca. 1830s: Noted sword authority Harold Peterson recognized this pattern as interesting and unusual when he first wrote his book The American Sword over half a century ago. The photos can give you a better description than my written attempt, but I will fill in the technical notes. This sword can be considered quite scarce with only a few speci-mens coming on the market each year. This has a richly etched 30 inch straight, double edged, blade with beautiful floral sprays, military motifs, US eagle, E Pluribus Unum, Warranted, etc… acid etched into both sides of the blade. The etching is extremely well done… every bit as good as Ames. The blade is unsigned. The pommel, guard, languets, and scabbard are all finely decorated polished steel that was once likely silver plated. The metal color now is a most appeal-ing shiny black about like tarnished silver. The condition is excellent save for a tiny chip in one side of the grip where it meets the pommel. The languets are shell shaped, and the finials on each end of the cross guard are acorn motifs. Very handsome and very solid. $1,250.00

#024) - Superb 1862 dated Ames Cavalry Saber - When we bought this sword at auction, the tag said that it had belonged to Sgt. Henry Houstater of the 1st NY Artillery Battery M. He enlisted in Sept of

1861 and quickly moved up the ranks to Sgt. in Feb of 1862. Later that year in October he passed away at Sandy Hook, MD. Don’t know how much clout to give the story, but regardless this sword is a screamer. Fine blade with no nicks or pitting, Scab-bard is spotless and a wonderful match for this sword. The leather grip has a few scuffs but very solid and all the twisted wire wrap is intact. Also included with this is the original BUFF LEATHER sword knot which is about fifty times scarcer than the sword… and the sword is darn scarce with the rare 1862 date. A very fine example of a very early Ames Civil War saber… with an extra scarce sword knot. $1950.00

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#025) - Ames model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber - 35 1/2” blade is marked “US/NWP” and the reverse side with date stamp has only the “47” from 1847 visible. The condition is about “fine” with nice shiny blade and no edge nicks, fine scabbard with no dents, fine brass guard with slight bend in ricasso, and outstanding grip with superb leather and twisted wire wrap. This is the wristbreaker with heavier blade with flat spine. This one extra desirable with the 1847 Mexican War date. There are rack numbers on the pom-mel, and knucklebow of “59”. The scabbard is likewise fine marked with inspectors initials on the drag “A.D.K” on one side and large “S” on the other. The little bend in the ricasso is the only MINOR defect... no problem to fix, I just haven’t had the time. If you want me to have Tom take the little bend out of it just add $30 to the price... or do it yourself for free. A superior Ames wristbreaker with Mex-War date... $1450.00

#026) - Fine C. Roby m1860 Cavalry saber w/ Original Saber Belt and hangers - This is a Fine/VF saber with “US/1865/AGM” marking on one side of the ricasso, and the C Roby Chelmsford Mass firm marking on the other. 35” rounded back blade has a smoky medium grey patina, and minimal handling wear. The brass is an ochre patina, and looks great with the solid cast rectangular eagle buckle. The harness leather belt w/ hangers is very fine and solid. Strong yet supple, with an even black dyed finish on the outside. The drag shows wear from actual use. This rig was de accessed from a Florida museum and has the soldier’s name written inside the belt... (name too common to pin down to a regiment) $1800.00

#028) - M1860 US Light Cavalry Saber - C Roby Contract - C Roby stamped and 1865 dated. Leather grip has full leather and twisted wire wrap. There is some scuffing on the leather. The blade has a dark grey patina, with no rust or pitting. All of the Brass is very attractive with nice delicate age patina. The scabbard is likewise very good with no dents or dings. It was painted black many, many years ago, and I have elected to leave it this way. $750.00

#027) - Presentation Engraved War Date 1860 Staff Officer’s Sword Presented to Surgeon: - This is the 1860 staff officers sword which is virtually impossible to find made pre 1865, a true rarity in military collectibles. This sword is etched with the US coat of arms, military trophies, and floral designs. The knuckle-bow has floral scrolls and thunderbolts, and the guard has an eagle and arms on one side, with the opposite hinged clam shell guard bearing a beautiful engraved inscrip-tion which reads “ Dr. Carr/from/Capt. Craig”. This sword is missing the small ball, which helps keep the counter-guard either open or closed, but other than that is complete. I had helper Tom install a cosmetic “ball” for display purposes. The condition is “very good” The brass mounted steel scabbard is likewise “VG” showing just the right amount of age. The patina on the brass is rich, deep, undisturbed, and beautiful... the way you wish all your antique brass looked. As for our good Dr. and his friend Capt. Craig, I have found a handful of surgeons named Carr and a few Union Army captains named Craig. None of the possibles served in the same unit, so we will surmise that their relationship was professional with the gifted sword possibly for medical services rendered. I will leave the research project of determining which Dr. Carr and which Capt. Craig have the “doctor - patient” relationship. I am certain the relationship can be discovered but am equally certain that it will take a lot of hours of detective work to find it, hours that I do not have to spare at this end. ...An extremely scarce sword with a compelling and tantalizing inscription begging for research... I paid over $2k for this when I bought it, a very fair deal at $2500.00

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#029) - Mansfield & Lamb Cavalry Saber - Model 1860 Cavalry saber stamped “U.S. / J.C.W. / 1864” with a clear maker stamp on the reverse side showing the “Mansfield & Lamb Forestdale, RI” mark. Sword comes with a dent free attic brown scabbard, with a faint amount of rust near the drag. Leather grip is VG with all leather intact with a little scuffing... has all the original twisted wire. Slight bend in the guard, nice antique brass patina. Blade is fine, with a steel grey color. A very honest untouched civil war sword. $795.00

#030) - Model 1860 Mansfield & Lamb Cavalry Saber - This is a 1862 dated saber by Rhode Island’s Mansfield & Lamb and bears the customary makers stamp and also “CCS / 1862” both stampings are quite faint. Scabbard has been gently cleaned by the previous owner and is in VG condition. The blade is in VG+ condition and would rate higher if the markings were a bit better. The brass guard has 15% of a gilded finish remaining, and also bears a “69” rack mark stamping. Quite scarce with the early date of 1862. A very fair buy at.......... $750.00

#031) - Neat Horstmann Model 1850 Foot Officer’s Sword w/ Very Curved Blade - 37” total length. 100% complete and origi-nal, with no blade etching. This sword is very appealing to me because of the dramatically curved blade. It is about as curved as an artillery saber. The leather scabbard is strong and solid with excellent finish. The grip is fine leather, with original twisted wire wrap. No nicks at all on the blade, steel is bright and shiny. Very attractive brass mounts and drag. I will price this as friendly as I can at...... $895.00

#032) - US Model 1840 Light Artillery Saber - This is an Ames dated 1861 saber with scabbard. This blade must have seen a ton of action as the blade has dozens of deep nicks in the edge. (Or are those nicks the result of kids playing sword-fight in 1925 or 1945 or 1965 ?) The stampings on the blade are crisp and clear. “US/J.H./1861”. with the classic Ames scroll firm logo on the other side of the ricasso. Grips are average, scabbard is VG with some pitting as we get toward the drag. The guard and other brass have a pleasant attic finish. Overall VG, ... $750.00

#033) - Pair of Early French Boarding Cutlasses - These are original mid 19th century French cutlasses. Each is VG to fine condition. Each has a cast brass handle and well made steel blade. They are sometimes referred to as French Marine Cutlasses --- the word marine being more nautical in refer-ence. These make a great display when crossed on the wall of your den or gun room. Why buy replica arms when great pieces from the 1800’s are still available at a fair price. one is marked with King and Knight, over “W K & C” the other is signed “CA”... For the pair... $350.00

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#034) - Ramsay Sutherland signed British India Pattern Brown Bess: 39 1/4” barrel. Lock of post-1809 pattern marked “RAMSAY SUTHERLAND” in front of hammer and “LONDON” be-hind the hammer. Solid, crisp, never refinished fine stock. Origi-nal rammer. Missing sling swivels otherwise 100% . Ex.+ tight working order; metal and stock show little use or wear overall; all markings deep and clear; All steel surfaces are beautiful with a

deep rich brown age patina. This gun is far more honest than most flint locks we find... no cleaning nor buggaring by modern hands. Crisp edges metal and wood; stock has just normal minor dings. These Ramsay Sutherland muskets, in all respects save markings are identical to the Government India Pattern.

They were commissioned by the King at the time of the Napoleonic shortages and were sent to North America to Canada’s Maritime Provinces for the Militia in the early 19th century. The Sutherlands (brothers Richard and Ramsay) worked in Birmingham from 1778 to 1839, on occasions marking their work R & R SUTHERLAND. They were major contractors to the Board of Ordnance throughout the Napoleonic Wars. A fine, un-fooled with example of a very handsome antique flint lock musket. I found only two other examples listed on other web sites. One is priced 3,750.00 the other 3,450.00. Here is a superior example fresh from an Indiana auction... priced at what I think you will agree is most fair --- $2,350.00

#035) - US Model 1816 Flintlock Musket - This is a

Johnson contract that was made in 1832. 42 Inch barrel in VG condition. The lock has the “US”

over an Eagle over “Johnson”, and behind the hammer it is stamped “MIDDn CONN 1832”. All steel parts are an attractive gun metal grey color. The stock is likewise attractive with rich antique walnut tones and nice luster like fine furniture. There is a single cartouche on the left side of the stock ... “LS” in script in an oval. I have examined this gun carefully and believe this to be in original flintlock configuration. The lock has the original flint hammer, frizzen, pan etc... And looking at the barrel there is no evidence of any welding where we would expect to see it had an earlier gunsmith reconverted this from percussion. There is evidence of the tang being removed from the breech and some cleaning on the extreme top of the breech, but there is no evidence of welding. Markings on the breech are “US” over “LS” over “P”. The “US” is nearly obliterated from burnishing. The touch hole is well centered in the pan. The Johnson contract specified the Type III - 1816 features, which specified a bright finish on the metal, and a reinforced sling swivel on the trigger guard. The ramrod on this is a variant of what I am accustomed to seeing. It is a button style rod but the button has a distinctly recessed area. ?? Quite an appealing original flintlock. 1 of an estimated 600 produced by Johnson. Very affordable at . $1650.00

#036) - US Model 1816 flintlock Musket - A Type III musket made by Springfield, appears to be reconverted back to flintlock. The lock is marked “US/Eagle” and “Spring/Field/1837”. This gun has VG wood and metal with clear markings. The breech is marked “P eaglehead V”. The stock cartouche is an oval with “E?B” inside.

The ramrod is original and the proper button tip style. I have examined this musket carefully and it is an extremely well done reconversion from percussion back to flintlock. The touch hole is very small and not well centered in the pan. It appears the smith used an original 1816 flintlock lock to facilitate this reconversion as the hammer and pan are definitely original. The frizzen is a proper replacement. The bore on this is rifled and there is a short range rear sight in place. The sight is simple civilian style V notch. The trigger plate has the letters “CBC” and there is a stock cartouche of “AH” in an oval behind the trigger guard tang. The gun has a great and even chocolate brown patina on the steel which compliments the warm tones of the walnut stock. Nearly 175 years old and priced at only a fraction more than the replica arms currently fetch. If you want an affordable flintlock musket for your wall or if you are a re-enactor who needs one for your 1812 or Mexican War impression, you will find this gun a very good value for your money. $1,150.00

#037) - Superb War of 1812 o r Earlier Flint Lock Musket:

Absolutely “attic mint” condition --- dark, dirty, unaltered, as found, ... not buggared in any

way, SUPER. This English musket dates 1790 to 1810 era and is 100% original and unaltered. Lock is marked London War-

ranted. Pan is early semi faceted style. Brass ram rod thimbles are richly patinated and include the Pratt’s improved thimble. Barrel is 42 inches long and large bore .72 caliber or better. Walnut stock is perfect with rich hand rubbed lustre and undisturbed patina. Each lock screw has a separate decorative brass escutcheon, one shaped like an acorn, the other an oval. Brass butt plate, escutcheons, thimbles, are all attic untouched and not polished or cleaned... attic mint. This beautiful flint lock is 100% com-plete except for the sling swivels which were removed during its period of use. One of my favorite guns and totally honest. $1,950.00

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#039) - 1803 Harpers Ferry Rifle w/ CW Penna Conversion. These 1803’s are famous as they

are the guns taken by Lewis and Clark along with the other members of their Corps of Discovery after being sent forth by Thomas Jefferson to make the

historic journey from Washington, to Pittsburgh, to St. Louis, to the uncharted West-ern Regions, to The Rockies, to the Pacific.... and then back again. And for this reason,

this Model 1803 rifle is among the most important models to US arms collectors. It remained in use for several years after the Lewis and Clark era. Barrel is 33.75 inches long including the patent percus-sion breech. Lock deeply struck with Harpers Ferry and 1815 date. Breech has large patent bolster which I am confident is an eastern Pennsylvania conversion, but I can not call up the name. Condition is VG with no damage nor defects. Steel is all gun metal grey. Stock is very attractive red-brown in color with good edges. Ram rod is heavy steel example that I assume was produced by the same firm that did the conversion to percussion. Left side of stock has “V” and other cartouches clearly visible. All brass is cleaned bright. Mechanically perfect. These are considered by many to be the most handsome US military firearm ever produced. The lines are akin to half stock Kentucky rifle and the brass furniture and patch box is strikingly attractive. I have a very similar conversion in my personal collection --- Beautiful, historic, nearly 200 years old and yet priced at only..... $2,500.00

#040) - Scarce Model 1835/40 conversion musket. The lock is marked “D. Nippes/ US” and is dated 1843. Nippes made 5600 con-tract muskets in the 1835/40 pattern,

most of which were converted to percussion. Overall condition very good. The wood has not been cleaned or refinished. There are two clear cartouches on the stock opposite the lock. There are a few very minor nicks and dings in the wood that do not detract from the overall look. The ramrod is not original, however it is a very old replacement. Priced fairly at $1,650.00

#041) - U.S. Model 1851 Rifled Cadet Musket - This is a Springfield cadet musket dated 1853 with the 40” barrel, and being about “fine” condition. This is one of the small quantity that were produced with the long range rear sight, and a rifled barrel. These became the de facto musket for the cadets at West Point, and this model was also used by the Virginia Military Academy VMI cadets when they fought the big bad Yankees at the battle of New Market, Virginia. (See John Wayne and The Horse Soldiers for a fine Hollywood adaptation of the battle. I recall a Yankee spanking one of the cadets and sending him home.) This musket is 100% original, complete, and untouched. The stock has a beautiful rich amber patina, the result of years of exposure to tobacco smoke. It has a few minor dents and dings but overall fine. A scarce and historic US long arm that is becoming increasingly difficult to find... priced very realistically at.......... $2400.00

#038) - Extra Attractive English Flintlock Officer’s Fusil - 38” Barrel and almost as old as our country. Made before the war of 1812, the butt plate tang bears a date of 1803. This is a full stock flintlock (original flint) with the early features of a dramatic comb and thin wrist. The brass furniture is very attractive. The lock is aged to the degree that we can’t make out any markings. Note the serpentine escutcheon opposite the lock, and early appearance of the hammer. There is a well executed repair with some replaced wood for several inches from the nose cap back. I can supply pictures by e-mail but you will have a hard time seeing the repair. It is well done. There is also a repair behind the hemmer where a small piece of wood chipped out but was replaced using the original piece. This was done long ago. There is an oval silver escutcheon plate forward of the wrist bearing the letters “NP” . A very handsome antique weapon which is now over 200 years old... $1850.00

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#042) - Superb P-53 British Enfield / Pimlico 1861- A stunning Enfield in “fine” condition. The wood is superb with sharp edges, The barrel retains most of the original blue turned plum, and the lock has whispers of case color. The bolster and breech are steel grey. This is a Belgian produced Enfield that was then refurbished in England. The lock is dated 1856 and bears the Crown over “VR” (Victoria Regina ie: Queen Victoria)... the stock is stamped 1861 Pimlico. The barrel has an incredible number of Belgian and English proof marks, a dozen or so. It was made in Belgium in 1856 and then cleaned and refurbished in Pimlico in 1861. Pimlico was Colt’s old London factory on the Thames which the British took over after Colt left. The British used it as an overflow armory during the 1860’s. On the stock opposite the lock, is stamped “J. Lee”. The gun is 100% complete, including the nipple guard and chain, long range rear sight, and original ramrod. Quite a fine specimen. $2250.00

#043) - H. E. Leman Lancaster Pennsylvania Militia Rifle - A very scarce Civil war rifle, only 500 made. NRA VG condition. Very attractive, very solid, and a wonderful display weapon. The barrel has some deep pitting at the breech end, not objectionable as the metal is a deep aged brown patina and the pitting is buried therein. The lock is marked “H.E. Leman/Lancaster Pa” The metal is an overall deep brown patina, very uniform and very pleasant. The wood is lustrous, rich, warm, and very attractive. There is a very old small repair behind the hammer where a small piece was chipped out and was tacked in place

a jillion years ago. And there is a small chip in the wood behind the lock. All original and complete except the sling swivels were removed. Replacements should not be hard to find, but I will leave that task to you. Rear sight is fixed V notch type. Ramrod is tulip head pattern. Action is crisp. Very handsome with the brass butt plate, trigger guard, and nose cap. A

very scarce Civil War 2-band infantry rifle. $2,250.00

#044) - Extra Fine M-1861 Contract Musket by Parkers Snow & Co.One of the finest examples I have seen lately. NRA “fine” to near “excellent” condition. Metal overall crisp steel with sharp markings. Barrel and lock bear matched dates of 1864. Stock has clear inspectors’ cartouches. Wood is superb...

Extra warm red & brown tone, with crisp - sharp edges and only a few handling dings and bangs. Bore is superb. The only major blemish on this gun is the tang in the bolster shows a scar from someone removing it for cleaning at some time in its history. This musket is in the top ten percent of muskets surviving in higher condition. These Parkers-Snow contracts are among the scarcer contracts to find. A large number were converted after the war... Making the original percussion guns a bit tougher to find. A really nice example... $2,650.00

#045) - Union Army M-1861 US Contract Norfolk Rifle Musket.Standard US 58 cal. Springfield contract musket with matching 1863 dates. Overall very attractive and NRA “very good” to near fine condition. Steel surfaces are clean grey steel with sharp markings... lock marked US Norfolk 1863 with eagle... about fine condition. Lock and barrel both stamped 1863. Left side of stock opposite the lock has a worn but visible “Welch” maker’s cartouche stamped into the wood. The inspector’s cartouche is pres-ent but very faint. The stock is overall “very good” condition. This contract Springfield is 100 % original and complete and mechanically perfect. It is overall clean steel, not polished bright, but armory color steel... very much as it appeared when it left the factory. The two leaf rear sight retains most of its original blue .The stock edges are somewhat rounded. A solid and tight Civil War contract M-1861 Springfield priced very friendly for this condi-tion. $1,550.00

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